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What is a fine dining server and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
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Fine dining servers are people who serve food in a high-end restaurant. Like servers in any other dining establishment, they serve food to customers and make sure that diners are satisfied. However, the job of a fine dining server is somewhat more difficult than that of a server in a neighborhood greasy spoon. They need to know high-scale etiquette inside and out, down to the smallest detail of table settings. Fine dining servers also need to have extensive knowledge of the high-end food and drink on the menu in order to explain the dishes to guests. They need to have excellent attention to detail and steady hands because guests in fine dining establishments expect the best level of service.

Although fine dining servers are expected to know more than the average server and have extensive restaurant experience, the extra work usually pays off. Fine dining servers earn an average yearly salary of $26,489, which is more than servers in other restaurants make.

Despite their fancier uniforms and starchier etiquette, fine dining servers still have a lot in common with regular servers. They spend many hours on their feet and work long shifts in the evenings and weekends. While some fine dining servers do have bachelor's degrees, most succeed with only a high school diploma and extensive practical experience.

ScoreFine Dining ServerUS Average
Salary
2.5

Avg. Salary $32,140

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
6.2

Growth rate 10%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
2.4
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.85%

Asian 8.24%

Black or African American 11.39%

Hispanic or Latino 19.62%

Unknown 5.80%

White 54.11%

Gender

female 60.42%

male 39.58%

Age - 25
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 25
Stress level
6.2

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
6.1

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance
10.0

Work life balance is excellent

6.4 - fair

Fine dining server career paths

Key steps to become a fine dining server

  1. Explore fine dining server education requirements

    Most common fine dining server degrees

    Bachelor's

    52.8 %

    Associate

    22.9 %

    High School Diploma

    14.4 %
  2. Start to develop specific fine dining server skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Wine26.93%
    Fine Dining23.64%
    Cleanliness6.75%
    Customer Service4.99%
    Beverage Orders4.31%
  3. Complete relevant fine dining server training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New fine dining servers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a fine dining server based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real fine dining server resumes.
  4. Research fine dining server duties and responsibilities

    • Schedule and prioritize workload while managing multiple tasks as a representative of this distinctive establishment frequent by wine enthusiasts.
    • Maintain Microsoft windows base computer system.
    • Work closely with management to implement new organizational systems to facilitate efficient wine service and inventory.
    • Craft featured cocktails and signature drinks when bartending.
  5. Prepare your fine dining server resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your fine dining server resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a fine dining server resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable fine dining server resume templates

    Build a professional fine dining server resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your fine dining server resume.
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    Fine Dining Server Resume
    Fine Dining Server Resume
    Fine Dining Server Resume
    Fine Dining Server Resume
    Fine Dining Server Resume
    Fine Dining Server Resume
  6. Apply for fine dining server jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a fine dining server job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first fine dining server job

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Average fine dining server salary

The average fine dining server salary in the United States is $32,140 per year or $15 per hour. Fine dining server salaries range between $21,000 and $47,000 per year.

Average fine dining server salary
$32,140 Yearly
$15.45 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do fine dining servers rate their job?

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Fine dining server reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Jan 2020
Pros

I like food, I believe that food is a comfort and food brings people together, and I like being apart of this.


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A zippia user wrote a review on Oct 2019
Pros

Most waiter and waitress jobs are entry level, and workers learn through short-term on-the-job training. No formal education or previous work experience is required to enter the occupation. Most states require workers who serve alcoholic beverages to be at least 18 years of age, but some states require servers to be older. Waiters and waitresses who serve alcohol must be familiar with state and local laws concerning the sale of alcoholic beverages.

Cons

Nothing because this job cocktail service is nice and I'm comfortable to serve our costumer.. And I want this job because vases on my Japanese work experience


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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